The main point here is clear: We need the grace of God to walk in true holiness. Again we might ask, “If, as we’ve been taught, grace is only about forgiveness, then what does ‘fall short’ mean in this verse?” The Greek word here is hustereo. Strong’s Concordance defines it as “to be inferior, to fall short (be deficient), come behind, be destitute, fail.” Thayer’s Lexicon goes into more depth by stating that this word’s meaning is “to be left behind in the race and so fail to reach the goal, to fall short of the end.”
Hear the prophet Isaiah’s words: There will be a highway there, called “The Road of Holiness.” No sinner will ever travel that road; no fools will mislead those who follow it. No lions will be there; no fierce animals will pass that way. Those whom the LORD has rescued will travel home by that road. They will reach Jerusalem [heaven] with gladness, singing and shouting for joy. They will be happy forever, forever free from sorrow and grief. (35:8-10, TEV)
God says that when we walk in the power of the grace of God, bearing true fruits of holiness, we are invincible because of Him. Isaiah says that no fierce animal, such as a bear or lion, will be able to take us out! (This includes our supreme enemy, Satan, who walks about as “a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” [1 Peter 5:8].)
We have no reason to fail when producing fruits of holiness through the power of God’s grace—not because of us but because of Him. Grace gives us the power to walk the highway of holiness, which secures for us the promise of finishing the race well.
Marked by boldness and passion, John Bevere delivers
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